What is Fourth Generation Computer?

 

Fourth Generation Computers: Micro-processors (1971-Present)

·       In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the large scale of integration LSI circuits built on one chip called microprocessors.

·       The computers using microchips were called microcomputers. This generation provided the even smaller size of computers, with larger capacities. That’s not enough, then Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits replaced LSI circuits.

·       Technologies like multiprocessing, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating speed, and virtual memory made it a more user-friendly and customary device.

Main characteristics of fourth generation computers are:

·       Main electronic component- Very large-scale integration (VLSI) and the microprocessor (VLSI has thousands of transistors on a single microchip).

·       Memory- Semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)

·       Input/output devices- Pointing devices, optical scanning, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

·       Examples of fourth generation- IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, Alter 8800, etc.